What compact to get?

[surprise_i'm_armed]

Teamless:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/adva ... /1/sort/5a

For picture and specs purposes, the above link is to Budsgunshop.com in Kentucky.
They have a Taurus PT111 Millenium Pro, blue, for $319. This is similar to my gun,
which has about 1500 rounds through it and has been stone cold reliable. I got my
gun on sale at Academy in January 2009 for only $279.99, but it's a first generation
Millenium. Which means it's only a 10 + 1, not 12 +1 like the Millenium PRO's.

If you got it through Bud's, though, you'd have to pay a FFL transfer fee.
IIRC, Academy usually has them for about $329.99. Some of the posters above
have suggested that you go to their favorite gun, but at prices that meet or exceed
$500. If you want to stick with a 9, I don't think you'll find a cheaper gun that works
as well as a Taurus Millenium.

Here's your choices as I see it: Spend about $330 right away and get the 12 + 1 PT111,
which will be a reliable 9mm shooter.

Or if you can hold on for a while, save up and move up to something suggested above.

Hey, right now you've got the Sigma, so it's not like you have to buy a new piece today.

Make sure to read joe817's link above to compact 9's.

Decisions, decisions. Let us know what you decide on, unless it's a Jimenez Arms.
That would be TMI (too much information). :-)

SIA

[Embalmo]

A sigma is a good gun and concealable. I would have bought one, except I prefer a SA pull. Sooo-I would suggest a Bersa Ultra Compact 9-It has a 3.25 inch barrel, a 13+1 capacity, awesome rep for reliability, lifetime warranty, $350 range; and my favorite feature: SA/DA with an exposed hammer.

Embalmo

[MojoTexas]

I might add that the Taurus PT series are all double-action-only, or at least my PT145 is. It has a smooth trigger pull, but it's LONG. That's not necessarily a bad thing in a self-defense situation.

[Teamless]

thanks, all good information.
Sounds like the Taurus PT111 or Millennium pro may be the way to go.

The Sigma (full size) is really (easily) concealable? I haven't tried it yet, but it seems huge compared to all of the compacts that are designed for concealment.

While i can save up for a Glock 26 or similar, I still see no reason to have to spend $500 + when realistically $300 or so should do the job. I am certainly not the Jones' and am not trying to keep up with the Jones' either, so I don't mind driving a Chevy when they are driving a Cadillac, as long as we both can get there reasonably.

The comment "unless its Jiminez Arms", I did not understand. Are they bad? Never heard of them in any readings on here I have done and I don't think I have ever seen them before.
thanks again

[FL450]

I'll throw a Sig P-250 compact or subcompact in the ring. They can be had for around 425 on line.
It's a DAO, if you have smaller hands like I do the small grip frame is very egronomic. The gun comes with a med grip frame. If your interested and in the Houston area you welcme to Try mine out.

[Teamless]

FL450, thanks, I may take you up on that. I am in Webster myself and I see you are showing Pearland.
I think I will hit Academy and/or Bass Pro to get a feel for all of these that have been suggested, then see who may have the ones that feel good and go from there.

[FL450]

FL450, thanks, I may take you up on that. I am in Webster myself and I see you are showing Pearland.
I think I will hit Academy and/or Bass Pro to get a feel for all of these that have been suggested, then see who may have the ones that feel good and go from there.

On http://www.sigforum.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; under sig pistols there is a P250 sticky and at http://www.p250sig.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; you will find all the information you can stand on the P250, the good, bad and the ugly.
The PSC range is close by and I am sure what ever gun you choose you can find a forum member with one close by to try before you buy.

[AddyLO]

As you can see from my sig line, I've got both a Sig P250 compact and Springfield XD sub-compact. I paid well under $500 for each. I've seen the P250 for around $450 and the XD ("Essentials" package) for as low as $419 at a gun show.

The XD is a little blocky for an SC but it works well for conceal. It's a sweet shooting little 9. The DAO on the P250 takes some getting used to (it's a long trigger pull) but it's a really nice handgun. It would also work well for conceal.

[USA1]

The comment "unless its Jiminez Arms", I did not understand. Are they bad? Never heard of them in any readings on here I have done and I don't think I have ever seen them before.

Stay far far away.
There's a reason you haven't read about them here. If you ever do see one in real life, you'll understand.

Just my opinion.

[Mastodon]

thanks, all good information.
Sounds like the Taurus PT111 or Millennium pro may be the way to go.

The Sigma (full size) is really (easily) concealable? I haven't tried it yet, but it seems huge compared to all of the compacts that are designed for concealment.

While i can save up for a Glock 26 or similar, I still see no reason to have to spend $500 + when realistically $300 or so should do the job. I am certainly not the Jones' and am not trying to keep up with the Jones' either, so I don't mind driving a Chevy when they are driving a Cadillac, as long as we both can get there reasonably.

The comment "unless its Jiminez Arms", I did not understand. Are they bad? Never heard of them in any readings on here I have done and I don't think I have ever seen them before.
thanks again

I drive a Chevy truck. Not a darn thing wrong with that. Also, if that PT111 of Mil-Pro is starting to feel good, there's nothing wrong with giving it a whirl. (though I haven't exp. with either) Buying a firearm, particularly for CCW is a difficult and personal decision sometimes.

All good info on this thread.

[Scott in Houston]

thanks, all good information.
Sounds like the Taurus PT111 or Millennium pro may be the way to go.

The Sigma (full size) is really (easily) concealable? I haven't tried it yet, but it seems huge compared to all of the compacts that are designed for concealment.

While i can save up for a Glock 26 or similar, I still see no reason to have to spend $500 + when realistically $300 or so should do the job. I am certainly not the Jones' and am not trying to keep up with the Jones' either, so I don't mind driving a Chevy when they are driving a Cadillac, as long as we both can get there reasonably.

The comment "unless its Jiminez Arms", I did not understand. Are they bad? Never heard of them in any readings on here I have done and I don't think I have ever seen them before.
thanks again

Teamless, this isn't about 'status' or keeping up with the Jones'. Trust me. No offense to those with the Taurus Millenniums or other guns listed here for the budget conscious, but this is your potential life we're talking about. It's not about anything else other than that. Do you want to defend your life with a "bargain" or cost-cutting anything? LIkely, you won't have to, but you 'might' and that's not worth it to me.

There is a HUGE difference in the quality of build, trigger, durability, and reliability between the G26 (or any Glock) vs. a Taurus or others mentioned here. I have owned two Taurus guns. (One I still own... the PT96) So, I'm not being a gun snob, but speaking from experience. Another anecdote, when I was taking my CHL class, there were 3 Taurus owners with us. ALL THREE had issues with jamming on the range. They were all Millenniums too. I know that's not statistically significant, but it reinforced other experiences.
It's possible to buy one of these guns, and have it be an awesome gun with NO issues... yes, but it's kind of a gamble with your money. Sounds like your Sigma is a good gun, so you're set with a good, dependable gun already. That's good because my thoughts are:

That you'd be surprised at how well you can carry it with a good setup. How about spending money on a good rig vs. a new gun?
Spend money on a nice belt and holster. You'll be amazed what a difference it makes.
Me recommendations:
1) Comp-Tac MTAC holster. http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=95" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Get the 1.5 inch clips and then get a belt from
2) http://www.thebeltman.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Expensive, but worth it.

With the combo of the above, and about $170 spent all-in, your Sigma will feel like a new gun, and then you've got money left for practice, training, and ammo. Even if you get a G26, I'd still recommend the holster and belt, so why not do those 2 things first and give it a try with your current gun since you're happy with it?
That holster can be altered for $40 to fit another gun if you later change guns, by the way.

Good luck with your decision.

[Teamless]

G192627,
thanks for the insights.
I do agree with you that I do not want to sacrifice safety for the price. Which is why I asked for those with pros/cons, in the hopes that people would recommend those that they have and have used.

I do need to find a good rig, I agree with you there, but other than ordering online, would think a good rig or even a starter rig, is more of a personal item, that you really want to "try on", so where (in Houston) would someone go to try them out? Or is finding one online, that is specifically made for your pistol the best route?

[TLynnHughes]

thanks, all good information.
Sounds like the Taurus PT111 or Millennium pro may be the way to go.

The Sigma (full size) is really (easily) concealable? I haven't tried it yet, but it seems huge compared to all of the compacts that are designed for concealment.

While i can save up for a Glock 26 or similar, I still see no reason to have to spend $500 + when realistically $300 or so should do the job. I am certainly not the Jones' and am not trying to keep up with the Jones' either, so I don't mind driving a Chevy when they are driving a Cadillac, as long as we both can get there reasonably.

The comment "unless its Jiminez Arms", I did not understand. Are they bad? Never heard of them in any readings on here I have done and I don't think I have ever seen them before.
thanks again

Teamless, this isn't about 'status' or keeping up with the Jones'. Trust me. No offense to those with the Taurus Millenniums or other guns listed here for the budget conscious, but this is your potential life we're talking about. It's not about anything else other than that. Do you want to defend your life with a "bargain" or cost-cutting anything? LIkely, you won't have to, but you 'might' and that's not worth it to me.

There is a HUGE difference in the quality of build, trigger, durability, and reliability between the G26 (or any Glock) vs. a Taurus or others mentioned here. I have owned two Taurus guns. (One I still own... the PT96) So, I'm not being a gun snob, but speaking from experience. Another anecdote, when I was taking my CHL class, there were 3 Taurus owners with us. ALL THREE had issues with jamming on the range. They were all Millenniums too. I know that's not statistically significant, but it reinforced other experiences.
It's possible to buy one of these guns, and have it be an awesome gun with NO issues... yes, but it's kind of a gamble with your money. Sounds like your Sigma is a good gun, so you're set with a good, dependable gun already. That's good because my thoughts are:

That you'd be surprised at how well you can carry it with a good setup. How about spending money on a good rig vs. a new gun?
Spend money on a nice belt and holster. You'll be amazed what a difference it makes.
Me recommendations:
1) Comp-Tac MTAC holster. http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=95" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Get the 1.5 inch clips and then get a belt from
2) http://www.thebeltman.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Expensive, but worth it.

With the combo of the above, and about $170 spent all-in, your Sigma will feel like a new gun, and then you've got money left for practice, training, and ammo. Even if you get a G26, I'd still recommend the holster and belt, so why not do those 2 things first and give it a try with your current gun since you're happy with it?
That holster can be altered for $40 to fit another gun if you later change guns, by the way.

Good luck with your decision.

Now that's some solid advice right there! Although I love my Millenium and have never had any issues with it, having fired a better quality gun, I'm not so sure I'd buy another one by choice. The new quality rig may well be the way to go.

T.

[RPB]

I agree with the above regarding better rigging...

I just got back from church with Glock 19 on right hip, Glock 26 left hip + Seecamp .32 in front pocket ...
+ two spare Glock 17 mags

Comp-Tac MTAC holsters

but I prefer Comp-Tac kydex reinforced belt with the Velcro

And the Kydex reinforced Comptac belt is so strong a belt it easily holds up an extra 5 or 8 pounds of hardware and magazines without sagging. When you use the Velcro clips which go UNDER the belt, and tuck ... it all disappears. I was at church hugging older ladies and all ...

I advised a deacon who also is a CHL about my belt and holsters ... but didn't used to carry to church so I usually loan my Wilderness Safepaker to that side of the aisle with my PT92 with 2 spare mags, and (a DB380 for his wife) ... but he said he didn't need it this week ,,,, I couldn't even tell he was armed ... and I was looking. He had his 1911 on.

I only took 5 guns to church today .... travelled lighter than I usually do.

[PJK]

I would suggest the Kahr PM9 series for your wife. It is much thinner and easier to conceal on the body.
http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_9mm_pm.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;